Monday April 10, 2023
California State Water Board —
The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a NationalPollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit yesterday that will allow the CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to operate an upgraded fish hatchery on Fall Creek, atributary of the Klamath River in Siskiyou County.
“California continues to make important progress to restore the health and vitality of the KlamathRiver, an ecological and cultural treasure that many tribal nations, communities and livelihoodsin our state depend on,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This new hatchery will support naturalsalmon runs that have been blocked for more than a century, righting a historical wrong andrevitalizing the environment and local economy for generations to come.”
Once upgrades are constructed, the Fall Creek Hatchery will replace the Iron Gate Hatchery,which is being decommissioned as part of the Klamath River Renewal Project that will removefour hydroelectric dams and restore a free-flowing river. PacifiCorp, the operator of the damsand owner of both hatcheries, jointly applied for and received the permit with CDFW.
“The North Coast Water Board is proud to take this crucial regulatory step to allow the operationof a newly upgraded fish hatchery that will help the salmon population flourish once again in theKlamath River, to the benefit of tribes, the environment and the local economy,” said HectorBedolla, chair of the board.